Hearty Homestyle Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe Ready in a Flash

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering easy pizza casserole that combines the best of two classic favorites.

Layers of melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and tender pasta create a delightful culinary experience.

Busy weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this simple yet satisfying dish.

Each bite bursts with familiar pizza flavors that everyone loves.

Kids and adults alike will devour this hearty casserole in minutes.

the recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep work and maximum flavor.

Let’s find out this crowd-pleasing meal that promises to become a new family staple.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 382 kcal

Servings: 7

Pizza Casserole Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: Adds hearty, meaty texture and rich flavor to the casserole, providing a classic pizza-like protein punch.
• Pepperoni: Delivers classic pizza taste with its spicy, slightly crispy character, enhancing the overall pizza experience.

• Rotini Pasta: Spiral-shaped pasta that catches sauce perfectly, creating delightful pockets of flavor and providing substantial base for the casserole.
• Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth, helping to build a complex flavor profile.
• Garlic: Introduces aromatic intensity and creates a robust foundation for the dish.

• Pizza Sauce: Brings authentic pizza taste, creating a tangy and rich base that ties all ingredients together.
• Water: Helps create perfect moisture level for pasta cooking and sauce consistency.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that mimic traditional pizza herb profiles, elevating the overall taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers that quintessential stretchy, melty pizza topping quality, binding ingredients and adding creamy richness.

Tools for Building the Best Easy Pizza Casserole

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and cooking onions.
• Spatula: Great for breaking up beef and stirring ingredients.
• Baking dish: Needed to assemble and bake the casserole.
• Aluminum foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta after cooking.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How to Prepare Easy Pizza Casserole in No Time

• Pasta Preparation

Cook rotini until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside, ready for the pizza casserole magic.

• Meat Magic

Brown ground beef in a skillet, creating delicious crumbles. Toss in aromatic onions, zesty garlic, and Italian herbs, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their incredible flavors.

• Oven Warmup

Heat your kitchen companion to a cozy 350°F, preparing for the casserole transformation.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine pizza sauce, ground beef mixture, pasta, and half the cheese and pepperoni in a spacious mixing bowl. Stir until every ingredient mingles deliciously.

• Baking Brilliance

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheese and pepperoni on top for a mouthwatering finish.

• Cheese Melt

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly. Serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Pizza Casserole Tips for Customizing Your Toppings

• Choose short, sturdy pasta like rotini or penne that holds sauce well and creates delightful texture in every bite.
• Swap ground beef with Italian sausage, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Experiment with cheese blends like adding cheddar, provolone, or parmesan alongside mozzarella for extra richness and depth.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the ground beef mixture for added color and flavor.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add jalapeños, or drizzle hot sauce for those who love a spicy kick to their pizza casserole.

Serve the Best Easy Pizza Casserole Hot and Fresh

• Pizza Night Perfection: Family Gathering Delight
• Serve this casserole as the star of a cozy family dinner, gathering everyone around the table for a fun and delicious meal that brings smiles and warmth.
• Casual Game Day Feast
• Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your next sports watch party, where friends can easily grab a hearty portion between cheering for their favorite team.
• Side Dish Superstar
• Pair the pizza casserole with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to create a complete meal that balances the rich, cheesy flavors and adds some fresh elements to the plate.
• Kid-Friendly Potluck Champion
• Bring this recipe to neighborhood potlucks or school gatherings, knowing children and adults alike will love the familiar pizza-inspired comfort food that's easy to transport and serve.

Store Pizza Casserole for Quick Reheats

• Quick Batch Preparation: Double the recipe and create two casseroles, enjoying one now and freezing another for busy weeknights. Wrap the second dish tightly in aluminum foil and plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Store leftover pizza casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Ensure the dish cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Slice the casserole into individual portions before freezing. Place servings in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, which makes reheating quick and convenient for grab-and-go meals.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top to restore the melty, golden-brown goodness and bring back that just-baked flavor.

Creamy Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Pizza casserole combines classic Italian-American comfort with hearty, cheesy goodness. Quick weeknight meals welcome this crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies hungry families with simple, delicious ingredients you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 3 cups (270 g) rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese, divided
• 14 oz (397 g) pizza sauce (or pasta sauce)
• ¼ cup (60 g) pepperoni, divided
• ¾ cup (177 ml) water
• ½ onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 g) Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook rotini in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Meat Mixture: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into fine crumbles. Add onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant. Drain excess fat.
3. Casserole Assembly: Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a rectangular baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine pizza sauce, water, cooked pasta, seasoned meat, mozzarella, and half the pepperoni, ensuring thorough integration.
4. Baking Process: Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Top with remaining cheese and pepperoni slices. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese is completely melted and edges turn golden and crispy.
5. Serving: Let casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to settle. Slice and serve while hot.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose rotini for its ridges that hold sauce better, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
• Meat Mastery: Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, caramelized flavors and eliminate excess grease for a cleaner taste.
• Cheese Strategy: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for superior melting and more authentic pizza-like texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Resting Technique: Let casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and make cutting and serving easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 382
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg